Why Pediatric Eye Examinations are Essential for Your Little Ones?

The need for routine eye exams for young children is oftentimes overlooked by parents as they assume the child is not verbal and can not participate in the proper eye test. Routine pediatric eye examinations are highly essential for children’s eye health and can be examined from infancy with proper tests and measurements designed for children. It’s best not to wait until they are symptomatic or complain about difficulties seeing/reading at school and to have their eyes assessed prior to problems developing. The optometrist can identify eye issues your child might have before they worsen or affect their learning or quality of life.

If your child is anxious about going to the eye doctor for an exam, you should assure them that the procedure is crucial for their eyes and overall well-being. The testing is quick, straightforward, and pain-free. Let’s look at what to expect during a pediatric eye exam and the benefits of scheduling one.

What Happens During a Pediatric Eye Exam?

Examination for a pediatric eye exam from your kids’ optometrist near you typically includes:

• Family and Medical History: Children with a history of ocular issues in the family might also be at a higher risk of developing eye problems. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of eye diseases.
• Refractive Exam and Binocular Function: Once the doctor has all the necessary information about your child’s medical history and risks, they will perform an eye exam. They may check for visual acuity (sharpness), eye muscle function, and pupil function.
• Dilation Exam: This exam involves placing special eye drops in the child’s eye to dilate their pupils to ensure good health and to recheck their prescription.
• Eye Structure: After dilating your child’s eyes, the doctor will examine their eye structure, including the iris, lens, cornea, retina, and optic nerve.
• Results: After a thorough examination, the optometrist will discuss the findings. The doctor will outline a treatment plan if any problem is identified during the exam. If necessary, the doctor can also schedule them for additional tests or refer you to a specialist.

Importance of Routine Pediatric Eye Exams

In general, a routine pediatric eye exam ensures that your child has good vision and good health. There are various reasons why you should get an eye exam:

To Check for Vision Development

It’s worth noting that vision develops with age. During an eye exam, the pediatric optometrist will check whether your child’s vision is developing normally. If the eyes aren’t sending proper and clear images to the brain, your child is likely to experience eye problems in the future, which may be difficult to correct.

Check for Clear Vision

Clear vision is an integral part of your child’s life. Clear vision ensures your child can read, write, and complete exams easily in school. Without a clear vision, your child might find it difficult to read and focus on their education. It can also impair their overall development.

Checking for Eye Problems

When identified early, a problem with your child’s vision can be treated promptly. This prevents the risk of potential misdiagnosis and future eye complications. For instance, routine eye exams can detect cancers of the eyes, which are fatal if not treated. Most eye problems among children include amblyopia (lazy eye), myopia (nearsightedness), astigmatism (blurriness), pediatric cataracts, cortical impairment, and childhood tearing, can be diagnosed and treated by your optometrist.

Correcting Eye Problems

If the optometrist catches any disease during the exam, they can help treat or correct the problem. This safeguard’s your child’s vision and protects them from the risk of future illnesses. If not treated in a timely manner, certain eye conditions can cause severe discomfort and the need for extensive and costly procedures.

Eye Health Education

An optometrist will take the time to teach you and your child about proper eye care tips and habits. This will help prevent avoidable eye problems and ensure a lifetime of good eye health for your child. Make sure you ask the doctor about any concerns regarding your child’s eye health.

Conclussion

Uncorrected visual issues can impair or interfere with your child’s development, learning, or even lead to permanent vision loss. The Canadian Optometric Association advises routine eye exams for children at least once a year. For more information about pediatric eye examination in North York, ON, contact Yorkdale Eyecare – Dr. Layla Sabet & Associates.